Ray Stevens won a battle royal in 9:39. The final four competitors also included Chief Jay Strongbow, Bulldog Brower and Masked Superstar, with Chief Jay Strongbow being the final elimination.
C+

-------------------------

Ivan Putski & Tito Santana defeated The Kennedys in 2:52 when Tito Santana defeated Jack Kennedy by pinfall with a Flying Forearm Smash.Jack Kennedy challenges Santana to a test of strength, and while Santana uses leverage to get a takedown first, Kennedy overpowers him in the second round. Flexing, Kennedy points to Ivan Putski, and Santana obliges, tagging him in. Polish Power immediately proves to be too much for Jack, causing Dallas Kennedy to run into the ring, but he is immediately flattened with a Polish Hammer. Santana tags back in, and finishes the job with a Flying Forearm Smash to Jack.
C+

The Kansas Jayhawks defeated Tony Garea and George Wells in 4:57 when Dutch Mantell defeated Tony Garea by pinfall.Having disbanded his team with Eddie Gilbert, Tony Garea begins his quest for a new team mate alongside the former pro football player, George Wells. Garea frustrates Dutch Mantell early with amateur takedowns, and after a pair of tags, Wells flashes his agility against Jaggers, sending his head spinning. Jaggers drops down on a charging Wells, and freezes him on the rebound by offering a handshake in the middle of the ring. Wells hesitates, but agrees to accept it, only for Jaggers to sucker punch him as he approaches. The Jayhawks go to work on the young athlete, constantly cheating, but keeping a running dialogue with the referee to create as much of a distraction as possible. Mantell gets cocky, though, and Wells is able to roll under a clothesline, making it to his corner. Garea begins unloading on Mantell, but is almost immediately blindsided by Jaggers. The Jayhawks begin unapologetically double teaming Garea, and when Wells comes running in to aid his partner, Jaggers avoids him, causing the new team mates to crash into each other. Jaggers deposits Wells to the outside, as Mantell makes a show of grabbing hold of Garea. This lackadaisical attitude allows Garea to slip out. He takes a swing at Mantell, who ducks, and on the follow-through, Garea is met by a stream of water to the eyes, courtesy of a spit by Bobby Jaggers. Mantell pulls Garea over in a schoolboy, and grabs the tights for good measure.
C+

With George Steele and the rest of The Madness already in the ring, Superstar Billy Graham is interviewed by Vince McMahon at ringside. Graham is quick and to the point, saying that he can't wait to see Don Muraco get squashed by Andre the Giant, later tonight, but even more than that, he can't wait to take the heartbreak of Muraco losing the Intercontinental Title after only 4 weeks, and break the rest of him just as bad. His sights aren't set on the title; his eyes are locked in on Don Muraco and the devil in his ear, The Grand Wizard. But he sees the eyes of all these people, and they're locked on the Superstar. What they can't wait for is Billy Graham climbing in the ring, and going Supernova on the Animal, because he's the man of the hour, too sweet to be sour, Superstar Billy Graham.
B+

Superstar Billy Graham defeated George Steele in 7:59 by submission with a Bearhug.The bell sounds, but the Animal is completely enamoured with the tie-dyed bandana Graham wore for his entrance. Graham is happy to play along, putting it on Steele's head, and lining up beside him to pose. Graham claps and comes set to begin the match, but Steele again looks over to the Superstar's corner, pointing at Graham's muscle shirt. Getting approval from the crowd, Graham retrieves the shirt, and hands it to Steele. The Animal pulls it over his head, but try as he might, can't seem to figure out where the arm holes are, or even how a shirt is supposed to work in the first place. Graham steps in to help, himself struggling to negotiate the fabric over all the hair on Steele's torso, but eventually succeeds in getting his opponent dressed like himself. Satisfied, they line up to pose for the crowd, but just as they come set, Randy Savage jumps onto the apron, blowing a gasket over what's going on. Steele walks towards him, and Savage rips the bandana off his head, throwing it to the floor, then grabs hold of the muscle shirt, and tears it to shreds. He then slaps Steele across the face, and angrily points to Superstar Billy Graham. Steele's demeanour flips like a switch, and the fight is on. Graham holds his own, but is overwhelmed by the ferocity of the Animal. Steele slams, claws, chokes, and bites the Superstar, never backing off his prey. Graham fights back, but can't get his momentum going. After several minutes of this, with Steele closing in for the kill, Savage again climbs onto the apron, this time with the discarded bandana in hand. He calls Steele over, and puts the bandana on his head, laughing maniacally. The Animal stomps over to the turnbuckle, and takes a big bite out of it, sending the stuffing flying. All of this allows Graham to get his feet under him, and he bursts into action, looking to make this opening count. After a series of powerful slams and crushing blows, Steele is down and Randy Savage again climbs up onto the apron. Graham immediately deposits him back on the floor, scoops up the bandana from where it had fallen on the mat, and throws it down onto Savage's body. Miss Elizabeth is quickly at her man's side, picking the bandana off him, and helping him regain his bearings. As this happens, Graham signals for the Supernova Spinebuster, but Steele (perhaps instinctually) reverses the Irish whip, landing a hard elbow on the rebound. Elizabeth turns her attention to the ring just enough to clap for Steele to finish the job, then returns her focus to the Macho Man. That's all it takes for Steele to completely forget about where he is, or that he's participating in a wrestling match. He makes his way outside and over to Elizabeth, who doesn't notice his presence until he's practically on top of her. Slowly rising, she hesitantly turns to face him, the well travelled bandana still in her hand. The Animal slowly reaches out, and tenderly takes the bandana from her trembling hand, and putting it on his head, a beaming smile breaking out across his face. By this time, Randy Savage is back in the game, and he screams at George Steele to get back in the ring, and most importantly STAY AWAY FROM MISS ELIZABETH. Getting no response from his partner, Savage snatches the bandana off Steele's head, and forcibly throws him into the ring, grabbing Elizabeth's hand, and leading/dragging her to the back. Steele watches them go, finally turning around directly into the waiting arms of Superstar Billy Graham, for a crushing Bearhug.
B

The Soul Patrol defeated The Wild Samoans in 9:06 when Afa was disqualified.Rocky Johnson made his name down in Florida, and is feeling it from the crowd, out of the gate. He dips and dives around anything the Wild Samoans can throw at him, peppering them with shots seemingly at will. Tony Atlas comes in, and keeps the flow going, feeding off the energy to throw the Samoans all around the ring. Facing a double team, he lifts Afa high overhead with a military press, and throws him into Sika for a makeshift crossbody. Lou Albano desperately calls his tribal warriors out to regroup, the steam almost visibly rising off his head, he's so enflamed. Satisfied he's righted the ship, Albano dispatches the Samoans to come at Mr USA from different angles. They close in for the attack, but Rocky Johnson steps up beside his partner, sending the Samoans scurrying back to the outside. Taking a more cautious approach, Afa enters the ring to play it straight. He doesn't find any more luck, but Lou Albano creates some luck of his own, grabbing Atlas' leg as he comes off the ropes. The Wild Samoans waste no time in doing what they do best, exacting their pound of flesh from their opponent's hide. They focus in on Atlas' shoulder, neutralizing his ability to use his unquestioned strength. This proves to be enough to stop him, but not enough to beat him, as Atlas digs deep to send first Sika then Afa over with one-armed backbody drops. He crawls to his corner, and Rocky Johnson explodes back into the match, battering both Samoans, capping off a big run with a picture perfect dropkick for each of them. Johnson dances and prances, loading up for the Soulman Punch, but Lou Albano climbs onto the apron with one of the title belts, causing a distraction. Johnson walks over to Albano with a purpose, but we will never learn what that purpose was, because Afa grabs him from behind, Sika joins him to tie up Johnson's arms, and Albano clocks Rocky in the head with the belt, in plain view of the referee, for the disqualification.
B

Tony Atlas rushes into the ring to his partner's aid, but is quickly overtaken by the numbers advantage. Assisted by Afa, Sika muscles Mr USA up for a Samoan Drop, leaving the challengers laying on the mat, as the champions stand tall.
A

Video plays from last month in the Boston Garden, joining Jumbo Tsuruta vs. The Iron Sheik in progress:

As Tsuruta closes in on victory, he suddenly stops in his tracks when Big John Studd steps out from behind the curtain, and begins slowly making his way down the aisle. Tsuruta beckons Studd to the ring, shouting to him in Japanese. While this happens, Freddie Blassie slips a metal pipe to the Iron Sheik, as the referee is busy trying to restore order between the foursome battling on the outside. Sheik charges in for a killing blow, but Jumbo Tsuruta's instincts are better. He ducks the wild swing, and once again unleashes a stunning overhand chop to the Sheik, which sends the pipe crashing to the mat. Jumbo looks down at it for a moment, looks again at Big John Studd, who has stopped a safe distance away, picks up the pipe, and buries it into Iron Sheik's midsection. Jumbo Tsuruta, as his name and physique may suggest, is an "in for an ounce; in for a pound" kind of guy, and he just goes to town on the Sheik with the pipe. The referee calls for the bell, and Santana & Putski come into the ring to separate Jumbo from the fallen Iron Sheik, who is clearly in a bad way. Security escorts Tsuruta out of the arena.

After the Iron Sheik returned on Wrestling Challenge for some revenge with that pipe, the rematch is next.
B+

Jumbo Tsuruta defeated The Iron Sheik in 9:43 by pinfall with a Flawless Backdrop.Tsuruta is fired right up, as the bell sounds, screaming for the Sheik to meet him in the middle of the ring. The Iron Sheik has other ideas, though, casually – even gleefully – offering a knuckle lock. Dejectedly accepting that he won't get the brawl he craves, Tsuruta locks up, quickly takes advantage, and muscles Sheik to the ropes. He hesitantly breaks the hold, defending against a cheap shot that never comes. They tie up again, and the Iron Sheik digs deep to bring his sometimes forgotten strength into play, driving Tsuruta back into the ropes. This time, EVERYONE is expecting a cheap shot, but Sheik breaks cleanly, smiles, and beckons Jumbo to the centre of the ring. A little flustered, Tsuruta comes in again, but rather than going for another test of strength, he goes low, grabs a single leg, and takes things down to the mat. These two bulls grunt and strain as they jockey for position, Tsuruta having a quickness advantage, but Sheik having a strong defence that keeps him out of trouble. Jumbo finally maneuvers his way into a Boston crab, but Sheik is able to quickly muscle his way to the ropes. Tsuruta hesitates before breaking, but does so cleanly. Coming set again, Tsuruta quickly gets a hold of Sheik's arm, and before long locks in a step-over (Fujiwara) armbar. Blassie's troops mobilize, with Tiger Chung Lee drawing the referee's attention, and Mr Fuji pulling the Iron Sheik's leg onto the bottom rope. As the ref tells Tsuruta to break, Jumbo glares angrily at his countrymen, then slaps the rising Sheik in the face, calling him to make this a fight. The Sheik shakes it off, and again declines the invitation, opting for another knuckle lock. A clearly fed up Tsuruta tries to take a quick advantage, but is overzealous, allowing Sheik to gain the upper hand. Tsuruta's defence is strong, but Sheik won't be shaken, settling on a smothering grounded front facelock. With the crowd behind him, Tsuruta slowly fights his way to the ropes. The Sheik breaks the hold, but delivers an almost playful slap to Tsuruta's face, before smugly putting his hand up for another test of strength. This is the last straw for the Japanese Phenom, who rushes Sheik with a barrage of chops and forearms, unleashing all his pent up aggression on the big Persian. From pillar to post, Tsuruta beats down his opponent, so much so that the referee has to physically force a break, when Sheik slumps in the corner. Shrugging off the admonishment, Tsuruta again closes the distance, but the Iron Sheik grabs his tights, and pulls Jumbo down into the middle rope, where he ruthlessly chokes him. The Sheik wastes no time pressing the advantage, not taking any chances in letting his opponent back up to his feet. Tsuruta does mount a couple comebacks, but between Sheik's power and Blassie's Army on the outside, any momentum he picks up is quickly dashed. On one of these occasions, though, there is a malfunction at the junction, with Sheik accidentally running into Tiger Chung Lee on the apron, and Tsuruta levelling Mr Fuji off another side of the ring. Taking this opening, the Japanese Phenom explodes into action, blowing the match wide open. Iron Sheik has no answer to this onslaught, and victory looks assured, until Big John Studd – conspicuous in his absence to this point – walks out from the back, strolling towards the ring. Tsuruta instantly loses focus on the match, calling to Studd to face him, and in a carbon copy of Wrestling Challenge, the Iron Sheik is passed a steel pipe, striking Tsuruta in the spine, while the referee is busy with Studd. Sheik wipes his hands, and begins applying his dreaded Camel Clutch, but Tsuruta miraculously stands up from underneath him, shifts to hook the Sheik, and delivers a Flawless Backdrop, for the three count.
B+

As soon as the ref's hand strikes the mat for the third time, Jumbo Tsuruta is up like a rocket, charging to the ropes, and extending a long arm out over the top rope, pointing directly at Studd. Tsuruta's eyes are locked in on his rial, unwavering, as Studd's own eyes bug out at what he just saw, with Freddie Blassie trying to hurry Studd to the back. Gorilla Monsoon hollers on commentary that you don't need a translator to know what's on the mind of the Japanese Phenom.
B+

Pat Patterson conducts interviews with Pedro Morales and Lou Albano with his Savages (Jimmy Snuka, Afa & Sika).
Morales is fired up and ready to go. When Lou Albano asked for – no, demanded – this match, he said that he's tired of Jimmy Snuka being overlooked by the powers that be, so he's going to start taking things by force. Morales just has to wonder what Albano and Snuka were doing to get noticed, while they were being overlooked. It's easy to overlook someone who keeps their head buried in the sand all the time. But Morales is happy to have this match tonight, because he's never been one for handouts or special treatment. Bob Backlund wants to face him for the title, because he wants challengers who have proven that they have what it takes. If Jimmy Snuka thinks he poses a stronger challenge than Pedro Morales, then he knows where to find him. As long as this Latin heart keeps beating, he'll be in that ring, ready for a fight.
Patterson can barely introduce Albano and the Savages, because they are partying around him. Patterson is indignant, saying that the Wild Samoans didn't even win their match, so does it really warrant this kind of celebration. Albano just laughs at him, responding that the gold makes the man, and they hold the gold. That's all that matters, but that's not why they're in such high spirits. No, this is because Jimmy Snuka getting gold of his own might as well be written in stone, because the stage is set, and the Superfly is not going to let this moment pass him by. Only two men stand between Snuka and the ultimate prize, and neither are a match for him. Bob Backlund has faced a lot of challengers, and beaten them back, but Jimmy Snuka is a cut above the rest. Patterson asks if that includes Afa & Sika, and Albano snaps back that they are a team – a unit – who stepped out of their element, and STILL Backlund only barely made it through the other side in one piece. Against the Superfly, he won't be so lucky. As for tonight... who is it that he's facing again? Patterson says Pedro Morales, the only Triple Crown champion in history, and Albano hits upon that word: history. Morales may have lots of success in his past, but this is the present, and in the here and now, he's a loser. He lost the Intercontinental Championship, he lost to Ray Stevens on MTV: Music Television (head office will get a bill for that plug), and he lost at the hands of Albano's Savages, in Madison Square Garden. Maybe he'll turn it around some day, but that day won't be today. Today belongs to Superfly Jimmy Snuka, the World Tag Team Champions, and Captain Lou Albano.
B+

Jimmy Snuka defeated Pedro Morales in 15:15 by pinfall with a Superfly Splash.Morales is all business during his entrance, introduction, and as the bell sounds, knowing the importance of this match to his fortunes going forward. The Superfly is the polar opposite, laughing and dancing around as Lou Albano fans him with a towel, and showing no hurry in getting things going. Once they do lock up, Pedro is cautious but insistent, using every inch of his broad frame to keep Snuka grounded. Morales is able to keep the advantage, but any time he gets Snuka in any real jeopardy, the Superfly is able to shift his weight, and stretch one of his long limbs to make the ropes. After a while, with Morales not getting any closer to breaking things open using this approach, things come to a standing position, where Snuka tries to show off the power in his chiselled physique, but Pedro's rock-solid core strength wins out. Getting Snuka on the back foot, Morales sends him off the ropes, where Superfly's agility shines, ducking under a clothesline, and leaping over Morales for a sunset flip, only to have Pedro roll through, and pull the top rope down on a charging Snuka, sending Superfly crashing to the outside. Vince McMahon notes Morales' Puerto Rican heritage, saying that if you want to dance, he can dance. Albano confers with the Superfly, frantically trying to calm him down, only to lose his cool himself, leaping onto the apron to yell at Morales. Snuka slides into the ring as this happens, takes a wild swing at Morales, but it is ducked. Afa leaps onto the apron on the other side of the ring, with the referee still distracted, and Snuka grabs Pedro from behind, forcing him into Afa's punching range. Just as he gets there, though, Morales performs a standing switch, putting Snuka in the line of fire. Afa slams on the brakes, holding up just in time, but perhaps more importantly, Snuka kicks backwards hard, dropping Morales with a low blow that the referee doesn't see. Albano and the Wild Samoans retreat to the floor, allowing Snuka to get to work, tearing into Morales with a furious abandon, utilizing everything from strikes, stretches, and slams to choking, biting, and gouging. Nothing is off limits for the Superfly, and Morales is quickly in a bad way. He attempts to fight back, but Snuka is too quick, and his feet too lethal, for Morales to make any real headway. Any time he does start to get things going, Albano, Afa, or Sika are there to intercept, keeping things in their favour. Eventually, Morales is able to pick a leg, take Snuka down, and try to contain him he same way he'd done at the beginning of the match. Pedro is worn down, though, and Snuka is able to power up on a headlock, sending Morales into the ropes. Pedro ducks a clothesline, and shoots off the opposite ropes, but there is Afa to grab his ankle, holding the only Triple Crown winner in place. This is the last straw, and something snaps inside Morales, who without even turning to look, blasts Snuka coming from behind him with a straight right hand to the face that drops him like a rock. Everything stops for a moment, until Pedro bellows in rage, meets a slowly rising Snuka in the middle of the ring, and starts dropping haymakers on the Superfly. Snuka is driven back into the corner, with only the ropes holding him upright, but in his desperation, he is able to land a kick to Morales' head that buys him time to recover. With both men staggered, and their blood burning hot, there's only one thing on both of their minds:

The.
Fight.
Is.
On.

All over the ring, around ringside, and even briefly into the crowd, Snuka and Morales batter and beat each other, using their bodies and whatever was at hand in the environment as weapons. The referee desperately begged them to get back in the ring, so that he wouldn't have to throw the match out. When it becomes clear that this approach isn't yielding results, the official climbs back in the ring, and begins counting. Morales & Snuka continue to slug it out, seemingly oblivious to the call, but at the count of nine, they both roll back into the ring, only to resume the fight there. Finally, the hands of stone of Pedro Morales win the day, and he begins closing in on victory. Morales lifts Snuka for his patented backbreaker, but just before he can execute the move, Snuka's flailing arm finds its way to Pedro's neck, thrusting the point of his fingers into Morales' throat. Snuka does not waste this opportunity, delivering a quick roundhouse kick to Morales' head, ascending the turnbuckle, and flying through the air for the Superfly Splash.
B+

Gorilla Monsoon conducts interviews with Black Leather Militia (Dick Murdoch, Dick Slater & Adrian Adonis), and Austin Idol & Bob Backlund with Buddy Rogers.
The Militia is in a mean mood tonight. Well, they're always in a mean mood, but this is mean by their standards. You see, they aren't at all pleased with how they've been treated here in the WWF. They've been raising hell in the tag team division for 6 months, since debuting, and what have they gotten for it? Have they received an opportunity at the Tag Team titles? No. Those opportunities have gone to Soul Patrol, who they beat, Ivan Putski & Tito Santana, who they beat, and the Strongbows, who EVERYBODY beat. Who's next to get a golden ticket they can't possibly cash? Tony Garea and whatever hobo he brings with him as a partner? Superstar Billy Graham teaming with a teddy bear wearing a bandana and muscle shirt? Maybe Pat Patterson & Gorilla Monsoon coming out of the old age home for one more kick at the can? But the Black Leather Militia isn't going to cry about it like little babies, throwing temper tantrums about not getting respect. They're just going to keep doing what they do, beating that respect into whatever unlucky sap happens to be in the ring with them. Tonight, that's Austin Idol, who thinks everything's a party, and Bob Backlund, who is so starved for attention that he'll take anything he can find. Well, they're both in for a rude awakening, because this ain't no disco, this isn't ladies night, and this is no night off. They're about to step in the ring with a brotherhood, the Black Leather Militia, and if they're not ready for war, then they'll just be another piece of roadkill.
Austin Idol is over the moon tonight, for the very first Deep South Extravaganza. They call these the dog days of summer, when the sun burns bright and hot, but down here folks like it hot, whether it's the weather, the food, or those fine southern belles. The Universal Heartthrob is here to turn up the heat; he's ready to burn; he's ready to light a big ol' bonfire, and get this party cookin' RIGHT. He's ready, all his little Heartthrobs are ready, and he's teaming with a man who's always ready to jump right in the flames, the World Champion, Bob Backlund.
Backlund smiles thinly at his partner's enthusiasm, and says that when he heard that the World Wrestling Federation was debuting the big arena show in a new territory, he knew he had to be on the card. He takes seriously his role as the standard-bearer of the company, and professional wrestling as a whole, and always leads from the front. Austin Idol showed him the respect due the World Champion, by asking him to be his partner tonight, and Backlund is happy to team with him, to show the people down here what everyone in the northeast already knows: The World Wrestling Federation is the best wrestling in the world, and Bob Backlund is the undisputed, unquestioned leader of the pack. And speaking of a pack, Backlund and Idol will be stepping into the ring tonight with a pack of Dic—
Buddy Rogers quickly intercepts the microphone with a chuckle, saying "family show" under his breath. The champ is itching to go, so Heartthrob...?
Whooooooo-boy, it's gonna be a happenin'.
B+

Bob Backlund and Austin Idol defeated Black Leather Militia (Murdoch & Slater) in 16:27 when Bob Backlund defeated Dick Slater by submission with a Crossface Chickenwing.Idol wants to start things for his team, but Backlund calmly refuses to budge. Acquiescing to the champ, Idol claps his hands and steps through to the apron. Dick Slater steps up for the Militia, and the technician of the team takes things slow with Backlund, both men taking care to ensure they don't make any mistakes. After several minutes, with each showing an ability to win exchanges (if scored on points), Slater backs away to tag in Dick Murdoch. Backlund answers by bringing in Austin Idol, who wastes no time amping up the crowd. Murdoch moves with that energy, rushing the Universal Heartthrob, but Idol dances around him, connecting with a shot at every charge. Flustered, Murdoch kicks the bottom rope, and calls for a test of strength, but as soon as one hand is locked, Idol spins him around, performs a pirouette, and bows to his unwitting dance partner. Disgusted, Murdoch angrily tags out to Slater, who himself puts a hand up for a test of strength, only to plant a boot squarely in Idol's stomach as soon as he's in range. He quickly deposits Idol in the Militia corner, and tags in a hungry Murdoch, who absolutely unloads on the Heartthrob. Now firmly in control, Black Leather Militia dissect Idol, utilizing quick tags, misdirection, combination offence, and a liberal interpretation of the rules. Idol might have contended with all that, if not for Adrian Adonis constantly making his presence felt from the outside. As the beating continues, Idol shifts from trying to fight back to trying to create enough separation to make a tag, then to DESPERATELY trying to create that separation. At long last, he's able to duck under a roundhouse punch from Murdoch, connect with a right hand that drops the Militiaman like a redwood, and crawl his way over to Backlund. He dives for the tag, but as he's about to make contact, Backlund's outstretched hand suddenly disappears. Idol lands on the mat, gathers his wits as best he can, and looks around for his missing partner, to discover that Dick Slater had slipped around the ring, pulling Backlund off the apron at the crucial moment. With new desperation, Black Leather Militia lays into the Universal Heartthrob, looking to put him away as soon as possible. Slater hones in on the kill, grabbing hold for a hangman's neckbreaker, but Idol takes hold of the ropes to block the move, throws a sprawling Slater like a missile between the ropes into Murdoch's midsection, and collapses to the mat in exhaustion. Bob Backlund is a madman on the apron, whipping the crowd into a lather, willing Idol to drag his way to his partner. Scratching and clawing on the mat, Idol reaches down deep for one last burst of energy, dives, and this time successfully makes the tag to the World Champion, just as Slater and Murdoch scramble to break it up. The Militia members hastily retreat, but there's nowhere to go to escape Backlund, who lights both of them up with strikes, suplexes, and a bodyslam that sends Murdoch oozing out of the ring to the outside. Pausing to pop the crowd, Backlund circles Slater, ready to bring this one home for his hurting partner. Letting loose another flurry, Backlund signals for the Crossface Chickenwing, but he is stopped dead in his tracks by the sound of Dick Murdoch's voice, from the floor. He has Buddy Rogers by the shirt collar, with his fist cocked. The referee immediately jumps outside to intervene, as Backlund yells from the ring. This is all a ploy, of course, as Dick Slater drills Backlund in the back of the head, hooks his arms, and holds him while Adrian Adonis enters the ring, wrapping his trademark chain around his right arm. With the referee still out of the picture, Adonis charges, but is stopped in his tracks by Austin Idol, appearing out of nowhere with a big dropkick. In shock, Slater's grip loosens, and quick as a cat Bob Backlund spins around him, keeping one of Slater's arms in hand, transitioning straight into the Crossface Chickenwing. Dick Murdoch has let go of Rogers by then, barrelling into the ring to save his partner, but Idol catches him coming through the ropes, scoops his legs, and locks in the Las Vegas Leglock (figure four). With nowhere to go, and no help on the way, Dick Slater has no choice but to give it up.
A*

As Black Leather Militia limps away, tending to their wounded bodies and pride, Backlund and Idol shake hands in the ring, and circle around ringside to slap as many hands as possible, on their way triumphantly to the locker room.
B

Before tonight's main event, Vince McMahon previews the World Wrestling Federation's next big arena show, the regular month-ender at Madison Square Garden. Previously announced is a classic rematch between the Russian Bear, Ivan Koloff, and the man he beat for the World Championship 12 years ago, Bruno Sammartino. As well, with his victory tonight, "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka has earned the right to challenge Bob Backlund for the World title, and that match will happen at MSG. We are also just getting word from WWF officials that it is official: Jumbo Tsuruta will face Big John Studd one-on-one, in the heart of New York City.

The World Wrestling Federation Presents...

Madison Square Garden Extravaganza
Saturday, Week 4, July 1983

World Championship
Bob Backlund (c) vs. "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka

Bruno Sammartino vs. Ivan Koloff

Jumbo Tsuruta vs. Big John Studd

B+

Lord Alfred Hayes interviews the Grand Wizard with his Wizard's Cauldron, Masked Superstar and the Intercontinental Champion, "Magnificent" Don Muraco.
Hayes sets the stage for the championship match, but uses a few too many adjectives to describe Andre the Giant, for Grand Wizard's liking. He tells Hayes to just go ahead and say it: Hayes, WWF officials, and all the idiot fans throughout the world have already crowned a new champion, because no man has ever beaten Andre, and in their eyes, no man ever will. The think it's impossible for someone to hand a loss to the Giant, but you know what? ... For once, they might be right. Maybe it is impossible to beat a man not only that big and strong, but who knows how to use it. Maybe it would take some sort of miracle – some sort of magic – to come out the victor against the 8th Wonder of the World. Maybe it does, but maybe everyone's forgetting who's talking to them right now. The Grand Wizard isn't just a fancy name. Calling on the kind of magic needed to make the impossible happen is what he does. So everyone that's already writing the history books can stop what they're doing, and carve these words in stone. When this night is said and done, Andre the Giant will not be in the winner's circle, and he will not be Intercontinental Champion. It was a long road to put Intercontinental gold around Don Muraco's waist, and it is not going anywhere. That's a fact.
A

Don Muraco drew with Andre the Giant in 14:33 following a double count out.Don Muraco is understandably in no hurry to get things going, and when he finally does lock up, Andre tosses him all the way back to his corner, where Muraco grabs onto the ropes for dear life. He is coaxed back out again, but ducks under Andre's arms just before the two lock up, and scurries to grab the ropes on the other side of the ring, screaming at the ref to keep the Giant away from him. When they do lock up again, Andre grabs a top wrist lock that bends Muraco backwards in pain, as he scrambles desperately (and in vain) to break the hold any way he can. Andre eventually lets him go, and Muraco bails to the outside, where the Grand Wizard gives his charge a pep talk. Whatever the Wizard said, it has the desired effect, because Muraco steps into the ring, head held high, puffs out his chest, and charges into battle.
... straight into the waiting arms of the Giant, who effortlessly lifts up the Intercontinental Champion, holds him in the air long enough to make him think about it, then drops him in a thunderous bodyslam. Muraco tries to crawl away again, but is stopped by one of Andre's enormous boots planted on his ankle, holding him in place. Screaming in terror, Muraco is petrified as Andre pulls him to the middle of the ring, drops down, and puts Muraco in a smothering headlock. Muraco kicks his legs, doing everything he can to get away, but it's not to be. As Muraco becomes resigned to his fate, Andre lifts him back to his feet, puts Muraco in the corner, shushes the crowd, and delivers a chop like a frying pan to Muraco's chest. The Giant sends Muraco off the ropes, but the champ is able to hold on, escaping back to the floor. He's had enough by this point, retrieves his title, and begins to walk out, content to take the countout loss. This doesn't sit well with Andre, of course, who wouldn't win the title that way, and as the referee begins counting, the Giant takes off after the slowly retreating Muraco. He catches him in the aisle, shrugging Masked Superstar out of the way, takes Muraco by the ear, and drags the Intercontinental Champion back, slamming him face first into the ring apron. Muraco slumps back against the ring post, and Andre charges forward for a body splash, but Muraco moves just in time, with the Giant clattering into the exposed steel with incredible force. Muraco slides back into the ring, and excitedly yells at the ref to count faster. Andre is in a bad way, holding his shoulder, but manages to roll in just before the count of 10. Muraco is waiting for him, and pounces like a lion on her prey, stomping away on the Giant's chest and shoulder. Once satisfied that Andre is compromised, the Intercontinental Champion goes to work on his opponent's arm and shoulder, being none too shy about using the ropes or a helping hand from Masked Superstar for extra leverage. Andre digs deep a few times to get separation, and regain his feet, but Muraco has a step on him now, able to avoid the biggest shots, and use the Giant's momentum against him, going back to the shoulder whenever he needs an opening. The Grand Wizard is dancing in the aisles, seeing his client on the road to doing what everyone thought impossible, and Muraco's confidence is clearly sky high as well, but Andre isn't ready to concede, using his good arm to push Muraco away, and landing a huge headbutt from one knee, when the Magnificent one closes back in. Muraco staggers back into the ropes, and Andre charges forward with a big clothesline that takes the champ right over the top rope, to the floor below. Taking time to gather himself, the Giant follows to the outside, not wanting to risk Muraco trying to make another escape. He batters his foe around ringside, only stopping to chase off Masked Superstar, when he tried to intervene from behind. The Grand Wizard attracts the referee's attention away, though, allowing Muraco & Masked Superstar to overwhelm Andre, and hit a double-Irish whip into the ring post. Muraco stomps away on the fallen Giant, as the Wizard releases the official to start the count. At the count of 7, Muraco leaves Andre to return to the ring, but as he reaches for the bottom rope, he looks back to see that the Giant isn't staying down. Looking back-and-forth between the ring and the rising Giant, Muraco decides that he's had enough of this fight, one way or the other, and throws himself into Andre's path, slowing him just enough to ensure that neither man answers the ref's count, forcing him to rule this a draw.
A*

As soon as the bell rings, the Grand Wizard races around to the timekeeper's table, grabbing the championship belt, and calls his Cauldron into the ring to celebrate. Andre stands on the outside of the ring, shaking his head, as the Cauldron leaps for joy at surviving their brush with the Giant. The Grand Wizard takes it a little too far, coming to the edge of the ring to laugh in Andre's face, and the Giant answers by climbing up on the apron. The Wizard doesn't back down, though, shouting at Andre that this is the Cauldron's ring, and he can stay out of it, just like Don Muraco just made him do. When Andre doesn't budge, the Wizard goes a step or six further, reaching up and slapping the big man across the face, all the colour instantly draining from his own cheeks when he realizes what he's done. Andre grabs the Wizard's collar, and the crowd erupts in approval, but Andre lets go when Don Muraco & Masked Superstar come to their manager's aid. The Wizard scurries away, but his men aren't so lucky, as Andre meets each with a huge headbutt, steps through the ropes, grabs both men staggering on spaghetti legs, and delivers a big noggin-knocker. Muraco and Masked Superstar collapse all the way to the floor, leaving Andre to stand tall in the ring, as the show closes.
A*

Hot damn I guess that did earn an A* showing. Match of the night for me was Steele/Graham, I thought that was a rip roaring good time. Promo of the night was a tie between Albano's Savages and the Militia. I thought both were incredibly well written.

As of April 1st, 2016,the first entry in my Gold & Steel fantasy series, As Fierce as Steel, is on sale. Visit www.thegoldandsteelsaga.com for more!

On a new segment on ESPN SportsCenter called The Mind on the Mat, Dan Smeltzer, the editor of popular wrestling magazine The Grappler, was contacted to get his prediction for what would be match of the week on AWA Stars of the Game.

In the very first installment, Smeltzer predicted that Curt Hennig vs. Billy Robinson with great certainty, would be the match of the week.

But you'll have to tune in to AWA Stars of the Game and decide for yourself.